Join a Student Organization

QUICK TIPS FOR EMERGING LEADERS ~
THE VALUE OF
LEADERSHIP INVOLVEMENT
College is a time that encourages exploration and experimentation to
help you determine where you are headed in life. The principles, values,
people, places, organizations, activities and events you encounter or
engage in will become a road map that will mark your journey.

In John Gardner's book, Your College Experience: Strategies
for Success, he identifies the nine basic benefits of campus
and community involvement:

1) "YOU'LL MEET PEOPLE"
-with interesting perspectives and diverse backgrounds
-who may share common interests and become your friend2) "YOU'LL EXPERIMENT AND GAIN EXPERIENCE"
-by trying new things you have never encountered
-by challenging yourself with things you were unsure of or afraid to
try 3) "YOU'LL IMPROVE YOUR ABILITIES"
-by building upon your personal skills
-by discovering a hidden talent or future proficiency 4) "YOU'LL GET THE MOST OUT OF COLLEGE
-by balancing curricular and co-curricular experiences
-by becoming aware of and participating in the college community and
its unique experiences 5) "YOU'LL FEEL AT HOME FASTER"
-by feeling needed and valued
-by investing yourself in campus and community experiences 6) "YOU'LL MANAGE STRESS BETTER"
-by creating outlets to channel that stress
-by developing healthy lifestyles7) "YOU'LL ORGANIZE YOUR TIME BETTER"
-by becoming more efficient as a result of increased demands upon your
time
-by reducing the opportunities to procrastinate 8) "YOU'LL IMPROVE YOUR RESUME"
-by marketing the skills you learned through your involvement with
campus activities, events and organizations
-by becoming a well-rounded individual9) "YOU'LL MEET ORGANIZATION ADVISORS"
-who may become information resources, referral sources, trusted mentors,
or friends
-who may provide a different perspective or write a letter of reference
for you

When active students look back on their college experiences they have
fond memories of their activities inside and outside the classroom.
They attest to the learning and the satisfaction experienced through
involvement. By combining the skills you develop through campus and
community involvement with the knowledge you learn in the classroom,
you become much better prepared for your future.